Description
These Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches feature tender, juicy shredded chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Served on toasted brioche buns with a crisp, tangy coleslaw and optional pickles, they make for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup hot honey (or regular honey mixed with 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Slaw
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- 4 brioche buns
- Optional: sliced pickles
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a slow cooker, combine the hot honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stir well to blend all ingredients into a smooth sauce.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into the slow cooker and toss them in the sauce to coat evenly. Make sure each piece is well covered for maximum flavor infusion.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be tender and shreddable when done.
- Prepare the Slaw: While the chicken is cooking, mix the coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, stirring it to coat fully in the hot honey sauce.
- Toast the Buns: Toast the brioche buns lightly if desired, to add texture and warmth to each sandwich.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Pile the shredded hot honey chicken generously onto the bottom half of each bun, top with a portion of slaw, add optional pickles if using, and cover with the bun tops.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches immediately while warm, paired with your favorite side such as sweet potato fries or a simple green salad.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs, but thighs provide more tenderness and flavor.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- To reduce sodium, consider using low-sodium soy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
